Impact Dampening Aquatic Sport Vest

ABSTRACT

A torso protecting impact dampening aquatic sport vest for use by novice and experienced divers is an apparatus that reduces forces felt by a diver&#39;s torso upon impacting the water&#39;s surface after a dive. The present invention is lightweight and compact in construction and designed to cover and protect the diver&#39;s anterior and posterior areas of their torso without impeding their range of motion. The present invention is of negligible buoyancy relative to water. The garment detachably and adjustably fastens ensuring the best fitment on a particular diver. The present invention contains impact dampening material that does not impede or negatively impact the diver&#39;s ability to perform various complex diving maneuvers. The garment comprises an anterior section and a posterior section that are detachably and adjustably coupled by way of a fastener assembly. The anterior and posterior sections each comprise an impact dampening material enclosed within a water resistant layer.

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/568,258 filed on Dec. 8, 2011. The current application is filed on Dec. 10, 2012 while Dec. 8, 2012 was on a weekend.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an article of aquatic sports apparel, more specifically to a safety garment for use by competitive divers that dive from a spring board or a platform. The present invention functions as a protective barrier that cushions a diver's torso from the forces felt upon impacting the water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Springboard/Platform diving is an internationally recognized aquatic sport that is a part of the Olympic Games. The sport involves an athlete jumping off a springboard/platform and executing a plurality of maneuvers prior to entering the water. Athletes are judged based on angle of entry, amount of rotations, height of the dive, and form while executing a maneuver. Typically, competitive springboard/platform divers execute their dive from a platform or springboard that are positioned 5 meters, 7.5 meters, and 10 meters above the surface of the water. Many divers spend years practicing in order to compete at the highest levels of the sport.

Similar to other sports, diving requires hours of exhausting practice in order to improve. Unlike other sports, springboard/platform diving carries an element of intimidation in the form of a harsh smack to the diver's torso if they are unable to properly perform a maneuver before entering the water. This harsh smack is caused by the water's surface tension countering the force at which the diver impacts the water. To decrease the forces felt from surface tension, divers practice entry techniques which allow them to minimize their body's surface area on entry. Novice divers quickly learn to dread the sensation of impacting the water without a proper entry technique. Typically, in a competitive dive, divers must perform various maneuvers with proper form while finishing with a correct entry technique. While this aspect of the sport persuades diver's to improve and master known maneuvers, it unfortunately intimidates many from trying new and unfamiliar diving elements.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide and apparatus that dampens the impacting forces that a diver feels to their torso upon entering the water. The present invention is a lightweight compact protective garment that covers the diver's anterior and posterior areas of their torso without impeding their range of motion. The garment detachably and adjustably fastens in a manner that ensures minimal movement on a particular diver but also provides the ability to fit divers of various sizes. The garment contains impact dampening material that does not impede or negatively impact a divers ability to perform various maneuvers and trick involved in a dive. Upon impacting the water, the impact dampening material absorbs a noticeable portion of the counter forces felt from the water's surface tension. The present invention is designed with minimal absorbency and negligible buoyancy. Furthermore, the present invention helps divers go through the mental and physical aspects involved in performing a dive without the intimidation of smacking the water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a frontal perspective view of the current embodiment of the present invention partially displaying the right lateral side.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the current embodiment of the present invention partially displaying the right lateral side.

FIG. 3 is a frontal perspective view of the current embodiment of the present invention partially displaying the left lateral side.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the current embodiment of the present invention partially displaying the left lateral side.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Referencing FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the present invention is an impact dampening aquatic vest that provides a barrier that reduces the forces felt by a springboard/platform diver's torso upon impacting the water. The present invention is formed of a compact and durable construction that does not impede a diver's range of motion while performing complicated acrobatic dives. The impact dampening vest is able to protect a springboard/platform diver's chest, lateral areas, abdominal region, and back, allowing divers of all skill level to practice longer and more efficiently. The present invention comprises an anterior section 1, a posterior section 2, a pair of shoulder segments 8, a pair of armholes 12, a collar opening 11, and at least one fastener assembly 15. The anterior section 1 protects and covers the anterior portion of a diver's torso and is used to cushion the diver's chest, upper abdominal areas, lower abdominal areas, and proximally positioned lateral areas. The posterior section 2 protects and covers the posterior portion of a diver's torso and is used to cushion the diver's upper back region, mid back region, lower back region, and proximally positioned lateral areas. The pair of shoulder segments 8 are the contact points between the divers' shoulders and the present invention. The pair of shoulder segments 8 additionally provides a non-adjustable connection between the anterior section 1 and the anterior section 1. The pair of armholes 12 are provided as the lateral openings through which a diver traverses their arms through in order to properly equip the present invention. The collar opening 11 is provided as the opening through which a diver traverses their head in order to properly equip the present invention. The at least one fastener assembly 15 is provided as the functional component utilized by the diver to detachably and adjustably couple the anterior section 1 to the posterior section 2.

Referencing FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, in the present invention, both the posterior section 2 and the anterior section 1 comprise at least one impact dampening panel 4, a water resistant exterior layer 3, a first lateral area 6, a second lateral area 7, and at least one fastener mount 5. The at least one impact dampening panel 4 comprises an elastic impact dampening material with negligible buoyancy relative to water. The at least one impact dampening panel 4 of the anterior section 1 is positioned in a manner that is particular to the anterior section 1. The at least one impact dampening panel 4 of the anterior section 1 provides a protective barrier for a diver's chest, upper abdominal areas, lower abdominal areas, and proximally positioned lateral areas. The at least one impact dampening panel 4 of the posterior section 2 is positioned in a manner that is particular to the posterior section 2. The at least one impact dampening panel 4 of the posterior section 2 provides a protective barrier for the diver's upper back region, mid back region, lower back region, and proximally positioned lateral areas. The water resistant exterior layer 3 is a breathable waterproof layer that secures and encloses the at least one impact dampening panel 4 of both, the anterior section 1 and the posterior section 2. The first lateral area 6 and the second lateral area 7 of the anterior section 1 are the lateral regions of the anterior section 1. The first lateral area 6 and the second lateral area 7 of the anterior section 1 protects the diver's torso from the midaxillary line to the anterior axillary line on the diver's right lateral side and left lateral side, respectively. The first lateral area 6 and the second lateral area 7 of the posterior section 2 are the lateral regions of the posterior section 2 the first lateral area 6 and the second lateral area 7 of the posterior section 2 protect the diver's torso from the posterior axillary line to the midaxillary line on the diver's right lateral side and left lateral side, respectively. The first lateral area 6 of the anterior section 1 is found positioned adjacently to the first lateral area b of the posterior section 2. The second lateral area 7 of the anterior section 1 is found positioned adjacently to the second lateral area 7 of the posterior section 2. The at least one fastener mount 5 of both the anterior section 1 and the posterior section 2 provides a mounting point for the at least one fastener assembly 15. The at least one fastener mount 5 of the anterior section 1 is functionally aligned to the at least one fastener mount 5 of the posterior section 2. The alignment between the at least one fastener mount 5 of the anterior section 1 and the at least one fastener mount 5 of the posterior section 2 permits great surface contact between the at least one fastener assembly 15 and the anterior section 1 and the posterior section 2.

Referencing FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the pair of shoulder segments 8 is positioned between the anterior section 1 and the posterior section 2. The pair of shoulder segments 8 provides a non-adjustable connection between the anterior section 1 and the posterior section 2. The pair of shoulder segments 8 are coupled to the upper portion of the anterior section 1 and the posterior section 2 above the diver's shoulders. The pair of shoulder segments 8 comprises a first shoulder segment 9 and a second shoulder segment 10. The first shoulder segment 9 is positioned above the divers right side shoulder. The second shoulder segment 10 is positioned above the diver's left side shoulder. The collar opening 11 is provided as the opening through which a diver traverses their head in order to properly equip the present invention. The collar opening 11 is the component that is positioned proximal to the diver's collarbone and neck when properly equipped. The collar opening 11 is bordered by the anterior section 1, the posterior section 2, the first shoulder segment 9, and the second shoulder segment 10.

Referencing FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the pair of armholes 12 is provided as the lateral openings through which a diver traverses their arms through in order to properly equip the present invention. The pair of armholes 12 is found symmetrically positioned across the anterior section 1 and the posterior section 2. The pair of armholes 12 is positioned on the lateral sides of the diver's torso. The pair of armholes 12 comprises a first armhole 13 and a second armhole 14. The first armhole 13 is provided as the opening for the diver's right arm. The first armhole 13 is positioned above the first lateral area 6 of the anterior section 1 and first lateral area 6 of the posterior section 2. The second armhole 14 is provided for the diver's left arm. The second armhole 14 is positioned above the second lateral area 7 of the anterior section 1 and the second lateral area 7 of the posterior section 2. The first armhole 13 is found proximal to the first shoulder segment 9. The second armhole 14 is found proximal to the second shoulder segment 10.

Referencing FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the at least one fastener assembly 15 is provided as the functional component utilized by the diver to detachably and adjustably couple the anterior section 1 to the posterior section 2. The at least one fastener assembly 15 is used to securely fasten the present invention the diver's torso. The at least one fastener assembly 15 is functionally engaged with the anterior section 1 and the posterior section 2 by way of the at least one fastener mount 5 positioned on each. The at least one fastener assembly 15 comprises a belt 16 and an adjustable coupler 17. The belt 16 traverses the at least one fastener mount 5 of the anterior section 1 and the at least one fastener mount 5 of the posterior section 2. The belt 16 is adjusted to a particular diver's torso size through the use of the adjustable coupler 17. The adjustable coupler 17 is engaged with the belt 16 in manner that provides facilitated detachment if needed while additionally limiting unwanted movement between the present invention and the diver's torso.

In the current embodiment of the present invention the anterior section 1 and the posterior section 2 are different sections that cover the front portion of a diver's torso and the back portion of the diver's torso, respectively. The anterior section 1 and the posterior section 2 vary by the distribution and size of the at least one impact dampening panel 4. Both the anterior section 1 and the posterior section 2 are similarly shaped, resembling trapezoidal figure when viewed from a frontal elevated view. This partial geometric composition is due to an average width disparity between the upper regions and lower regions of the anterior section 1 and the posterior section 2, wherein average width of the upper region is always less than the lower region for both the anterior section 1 and the posterior section 2. Generally, the posterior section 2 is larger than the anterior section 1 resulting in a larger area of distribution and coverage for the at least one impact dampening panel 4 of the posterior section 2.

In the current embodiment of the present invention the at least one impact dampening panel 4 of the anterior section 1 and the posterior section 2 is made from a negligibly buoyant material that does not readily absorb water. The at least one impact dampening panel 4 of the anterior and posterior section 2 provides divers with a compact barrier that does not inhibit their range of motion during typical diving exercises. The impact dampening panel 4 is flexible enough to not impede movement, but resilient enough to cushion impact forces upon contacting the water's surface. The current embodiment of the present invention, the impact dampening panel 4 is constructed from polyurethane foam that is preferably between 0.5″-1.0″ inches in thickness.

In the current embodiment of the present invention the water resistant exterior layer 3 is constructed of a water resistant breathable material. The water resistant exterior layer 3 encloses the at least one impact dampening panel 4 by being superimposed on the top and bottom faces sides of the impact dampening panel 4. In the current embodiment of present invention the water resistant exterior layer 3 is securely affixed to the impact dampening panel 4 through a plurality of double stitches that are sewed around the exterior of the impact dampening panel 4. Additionally, vertical and horizontal stitching are provided to improve gripping and unwanted movement of the impact dampening panel 4 within the water resistant exterior layer 3. The vertical and horizontal stitching compartmentalizes regions of the impact dampening panel 4, which effectively distributes applied forces to sectioned areas of the impact dampening panel 4.

In the current embodiment of the present invention the anterior section 1 and the posterior section 2 are joined by the pair of shoulder segments 8. The pair of shoulder segments 8 are non adjustable and can be integrated into the construction of the anterior section 1 and the posterior section 2 as well as provided as an additional piece of material that is affixed to the anterior section 1 and the posterior section 2. In an additional embodiment of the present invention, the pair of shoulder segments 8 could be provided as a pair of adjustable shoulder segments that allow additional fitment methods for the diver.

In the current embodiment of the present invention the at least one fastener mount 5 is positioned top of an at least one impact dampening panel 4 for both the anterior section 1 and the posterior section 2. The at least one fastener mount 5 is provided in a manner that should be understood to allow the mounts to be found on the exterior surface, interior surface, or between the surfaces of both the anterior section 1 and the posterior section 2.

In the current embodiment of the present invention the fastener assembly 15 is provided as a means to adjust and secure the anterior section 1 and the posterior section 2 to a diver's torso. The belt 16 is provided as a built in strip that traverses the fastener mounts 5. The belt 16 is adjusted through the use of an adjustable coupler 17. The adjustable coupler 17 in the current embodiment of the present invention is a side release buckle. While the current embodiment may use a side release buckle it should be noted that any adjustable coupler 17 could potentially be utilized as long as it provides the same functionality of adjustable coupler 17.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A torso protecting impact dampening aquatic sport vest for use by novice and experienced divers comprises, an anterior section, wherein the anterior section is designed for dampening the forces felt by a diver's chest, upper abdominal areas, lower abdominal areas, and proximally positioned lateral areas of the diver's torso, upon impacting the water while diving; a posterior section, wherein the posterior section is designed for dampening the forces felt by a diver's upper back region, mid back region, lower back region, and proximally positioned lateral areas of the diver's torso, upon impacting the water while diving; a pair of shoulder segments; a pair of armholes; a collar opening; a fastener assembly; the anterior section and the posterior section each comprise a water resistant exterior layer, at least one impact dampening panel, a first lateral area, a second lateral area, and at least one fastener mount; the pair of shoulder segments comprises a first shoulder segment and a second shoulder segment; the pair of armholes comprises a first armhole and a second armhole; and the fastener assembly comprises a belt and an adjustable coupler.
 2. The torso protecting impact dampening aquatic sport vest for use by novice and experienced divers as claimed in claim 1 comprises, the at least one impact dampening panel comprises an elastic impact dampening material with negligible buoyancy relative to water.
 3. The torso protecting impact dampening aquatic sport vest for use by novice and experienced divers as claimed in claim 1 comprises, the anterior section being detachably and adjustably coupled to the posterior section by way of the at least one fastener assembly; the pair of shoulder segments being symmetrically positioned between the anterior section and the posterior section; the collar opening being bordered by the anterior section, the posterior section, and the pair of shoulder segments; and the pair of armholes being symmetrically positioned across the anterior section and the posterior section.
 4. The torso protecting impact dampening aquatic sport vest for use by novice and experienced divers as claimed in claim 1 comprises, the at least one impact dampening panel of the anterior section being particularly positioned and distributed on the anterior section; the at least one impact dampening panel of the posterior section being particularly positioned and distributed on the posterior section; the at least one impact dampening panel being securely affixed and enclosed within the water resistant exterior layer; and the at least one fastener mount of the anterior section being aligned with the at least one fastener mount of the posterior section.
 5. The torso protecting impact dampening aquatic sport vest for use by novice and experienced divers as claimed in claim 1 comprises, the first lateral area of the anterior section being adjacently positioned to the first lateral area of the posterior section; the second lateral area of the anterior section being adjacently positioned to the second lateral area of the posterior section; the first armhole being positioned above both the first lateral area of the anterior section and the first lateral area of the posterior section; the second armhole being positioned above both the second lateral area of the anterior section and the first lateral area of the posterior section; the first shoulder segment being positioned above the first armhole; the second shoulder segment being positioned above the second armhole; and the collar opening being positioned between the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap.
 6. The torso protecting impact dampening aquatic sport vest for use by novice and experienced divers as claimed in claim 1 comprises, the at least one fastener mount of the posterior section and the at least one fastener mount of the anterior section being traversed by the belt; and the belt being adjustably and detachably engaged by the adjustable coupler.
 7. A torso protecting impact dampening aquatic sport vest for use by novice and experienced divers comprises, an anterior section, wherein the anterior section is designed for dampening the forces felt by a diver's chest, upper abdominal areas, lower abdominal areas, and proximally positioned lateral areas of the diver's torso, upon impacting the water while diving; a posterior section, wherein the posterior section is designed for dampening the forces felt by a diver's upper back region, mid back region, lower back region, and proximally positioned lateral areas of the diver's torso, upon impacting the water while diving; a pair of shoulder segments; a pair of armholes; a collar opening; a fastener assembly; the anterior section and the posterior section each comprise a water resistant exterior, at least one impact dampening panel, a first lateral area, a second lateral area, and at least one fastener mount; the pair of shoulder segments comprises a first shoulder segment and a second shoulder segment; the pair of armholes comprises a first armhole and a second armhole; the fastener assembly comprises a belt and an adjustable coupler; the at least one impact dampening panel comprises an elastic impact dampening material with negligible buoyancy relative to water; the anterior section being detachably and adjustably coupled to the posterior section by way of the at least one fastener assembly; the pair of shoulder segments being symmetrically positioned between the anterior section and the posterior section; the collar opening being bordered by the anterior section, the posterior section, and the pair of shoulder segments; and the pair of armholes being symmetrically positioned across the anterior section and the posterior section.
 8. The torso protecting impact dampening aquatic sport vest for use by novice and experienced divers as claimed in claim 7 comprises, the at least one impact dampening panel of the anterior section being particularly positioned and distributed on the anterior section; the at least one impact dampening panel of the posterior section being particularly positioned and distributed on the posterior section; the at least one impact dampening panel being securely affixed and enclosed within the water resistant exterior layer; and the at least one fastener mount of the anterior section being aligned with the at least one fastener mount of the posterior section.
 9. The torso protecting impact dampening aquatic sport vest for use by novice and experienced divers as claimed in claim 7 comprises, the first lateral area of the anterior section being adjacently positioned to the first lateral area of the posterior section; the second lateral area of the anterior section being adjacently positioned to the second lateral area of the posterior section; the first armhole being positioned above both the first lateral area of the anterior section and the first lateral area of the posterior section; the second armhole being positioned above both the second lateral area of the anterior section and the first lateral area of the posterior section; the first shoulder segment being positioned above the first armhole; the second shoulder segment being positioned above the second armhole; and the collar opening being positioned between the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap.
 10. The torso protecting impact dampening aquatic sport vest for use by novice and experienced divers as claimed in claim 7 comprises, the at least one fastener mount of the posterior section and the at least one fastener mount of the anterior section being traversed by the belt; and the belt being adjustably and detachably engaged by the adjustable coupler.
 11. A torso protecting impact dampening aquatic sport vest for use by novice and experienced divers comprises, an anterior section, wherein the anterior section is designed for dampening the forces felt by a diver's chest, upper abdominal areas, lower abdominal areas, and proximally positioned lateral areas of the diver's torso, upon impacting the water while diving; a posterior section, wherein the posterior section is designed for dampening the forces felt by a diver's upper back region, mid back region, lower back region, and proximally positioned lateral areas of the diver's torso, upon impacting the water while diving; a pair of shoulder segments; a pair of armholes; a collar opening; a fastener assembly; the anterior section and the posterior section each comprise a water resistant exterior, at least one impact dampening panel, a first lateral area, a second lateral area, and at least one fastener mount; the pair of shoulder segments comprises a first shoulder segment and a second shoulder segment; the pair of armholes comprises a first armhole and a second armhole; the fastener assembly comprises a belt and an adjustable coupler; the at least one impact dampening panel comprises an elastic impact dampening material with negligible buoyancy relative to water; the anterior section being detachably and adjustably coupled to the posterior section by way of the at least one fastener assembly; the pair of shoulder segments being symmetrically positioned between the anterior section and the posterior section; the collar opening being bordered by the anterior section, the posterior section, and the pair of shoulder segments; and the pair of armholes being symmetrically positioned across the anterior section and the posterior section.
 12. The torso protecting impact dampening aquatic sport vest for use by novice and experienced divers as claimed in claim 11 comprises, the at least one impact dampening panel of the anterior section being particularly positioned and distributed on the anterior section; the at least one impact dampening panel of the posterior section being particularly positioned and distributed on the posterior section; the at least one impact dampening panel being securely affixed and enclosed within the water resistant exterior layer; the at least one fastener mount of the anterior section being aligned with the at least one fastener mount of the posterior section; the first lateral area of the anterior section being adjacently positioned to the first lateral area of the posterior section; the second lateral area of the anterior section being adjacently positioned to the second lateral area of the posterior section; the first armhole being positioned above both the first lateral area of the anterior section and the first lateral area of the posterior section; the second armhole being positioned above both the second lateral area of the anterior section and the first lateral area of the posterior section; the first shoulder segment being positioned above the first armhole; the second shoulder segment being positioned above the second armhole; the collar opening being positioned between the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap; the at least one fastener mount of the posterior section and the at least one fastener mount of the anterior section being traversed by the belt; and the belt being adjustably and detachably engaged by the adjustable coupler. 